Armenia

Armenia, Georgia committed to deepening bilateral ties

Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili has arrived in Armenia for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. After a meeting at the Presidential Palace, the leaders of the two countries made a statement for the press.

Presidents Sargsyan and Margvelashvili stressed their commitment to continue to work in the spirit of traditional friendship and harmony between the two countries. The Presidents said they held productive talks on all issues on the bilateral agenda.

“Armenia traditionally attaches great importance to the development of good-neighborly relations with Georgia,” President Sargsyan said. According to him, the consistent reinforcement of cooperation is one of the priorities of Armenia’s foreign agenda. 28.02.14 More

Armenian FM meets British parliamentarians

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian received the delegation of the British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union headed by its leader John Whittingdale. Minister Nalbandian hailed the contribution of the British parliamentarians to the development of Armenia-UK friendly relations.

Members of the British Parliament assured, in turn, they will maintain efforts to deepen the cooperation between Armenia and the United Kingdom. 19.02.14 More

Armenia to keep troops in Afghanistan: Interview with First Deputy Defense Minister of Armenia

- Armenia stated its readiness to continue supporting the stabilization process in Afghanistan after the completion of NATO-led ISAF mission. What changes will the functions of Armenian peacekeepers undergo after the mission is completed?

- We have informed NATO and Germany - our our main partner in ISAF, that the political decision is made and Armenia is capable of continuing to support the efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan, after ISAF is completed this December.

Under NATO’s auspices, Resolute Support mission will be launched in Afghanistan starting from 2015. ISAF mission is currently at the phase of active transformation related to the delegation of responsibility to Afghan Forces, which has an impact also on the tasks and location of Armenian peacekeepers.

Our military units are presently located in Camp Marmal and Camp Mike Spann military bases of Mazar-e-Sharif region; changes are expected in April and one of our military units might be moved to a more important military base in Kabul. The main task our peacekeepers have in Afghanistan is the same - to ensure security. 11.02.14 More

Armenian NSS expose attempt of espionage for Azerbaijan

Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS) exposed an attempt of espionage for Azerbaijan.

Former police employee, resident of Yerevan Khachik Martirosyan was detained on January 31 as a result of special operation, NSS press service said.

Armenian NSS has irrefutable evidence that Martirosyan contacted the embassy of Azerbaijan in Georgia last August. He established contacts with the intelligence personnel working under the auspices of the Azerbaijani embassy and offered them his services to get financial assistance. 05.02.14 More

From January 13 to February 2 a 75-member peacekeeping subdivisions of the Armenian Armed Forces participated in the recurrent multinational military exercises at the training center of US Armed Forces in Germany organized within the framework of the “Kosovo Forces” program.

Participating in the drills were also peacekeeping subdivisions from the US, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Slovenia, Albania and other countries. 03.02.14 More

Los Angeles City Council recognizes Nagorno-Karabakh (Full Text)

U.S. Los Angeles City Council unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as an independent and sovereign state.

“The text of the resolution follows:

RESOLUTION

REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

WHEREAS, we take great honor in recognizing the continuing vibrancy of the independent and sovereign REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH; and

WHEREAS, the REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH has a long and storied history dating back thousands of years, and holds a cherished place in the Armenian people's history and culture... 29.01.14 More

Azerbajani armed forces fire upon Armenian territories overnight

The Armenian side has already slammed the Azerbaijan’s provocative actions as attempt “to undermine the upcoming ministerial talks.” As it was reported earlier, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian is scheduled to meet his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov in Paris this week.

Azerbaijani servicemen attempted to penetrate into the NKR territory on the night of Jan 20, killing defense army sergeant Armen Hovhannisyan. The attacks, in the northeast and southeast directions of the contact line, were rebuffed, with losses inflicted on the Azeri side. Investigation is underway. 21.01.14 More

Aviation equipment will be supplied to Erebuni in 2014

A squadron of army aviation command of the air command of Russia’s southern military district has been formed at Erebuni airport in Armenia.

In addition to MiG -29 fighter aircrafts, the military unit will be equipped with Mi-24, Mi-8 helicopters in order to solve a wide range of problems with the aviation support of the forces and transportation of the staff of Russian military base located in Armenia. 17.01.14 More

Armenian strategic defense review group holds session

The first session of the interdepartmental working group on the second strategic defense review of Armenia was convened on Wednesday.

At the event, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) representatives presented to the group members the methodology for the strategic review of the current phase and for the assessment of the security environment and threats around Armenia, the MOD press service informs. More

Armenia has accepted U.S. offer to participate in Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), representatives of Defense Department Evelyn Farkas said in Yerevan.

She noted that within this program Armenia’s Defense Ministry will have wider opportunities to develop peacekeeping capabilities.

“Relations between Armenia and US have been developing year after year, including through the involvement of Armenia in peacekeeping missions in Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan,” Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense told reporters after consultations in Yerevan. 19.12.13 More

Armenian and Georgian parliaments sign memorandum of cooperation

A conference, entitled “Prospects for Armenian-Georgian Interparliamentary Cooperation,” was convened on December 14 and 15 in Lori Region of Armenia.

In addition, the conference discussants adopted a joint statement.

Furthermore, the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia and the Committee for Foreign Affairs of the Parliament of Georgia signed a memorandum of cooperation. 18.12.13 More

“Iran’s new administration attaches special significance to the expansion of ties with neighbors and we are willing to bolster these relations more than before,” said the Iranian top diplomat.

He further stated that Iran and Armenia enjoy great economic and commercial grounds for cooperation, stressing that frequent visits by officials of the two countries can “play an effective role in the expansion of bilateral ties.” 16.12.13 More

29th meeting of the Council of BSEC Foreign Ministers held in Yerevan

The 29th meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation took was held in Yerevan on December 12. Armenian Foreign Minister, BSEC Chairman-in-Office Edward Nalbandian chaired the sitting.

In the working session of the meeting, the Ministers made statements on issues regarding the region and the Organization.

They underlined the importance attached to the implementation of the BSEC Economic Agenda Towards and Enhanced BSEC Partnership as the roadmap of the Organization to face the new challenges of the globalize world. During the Armenian Chairmanship the process of the Action Plan of the Working Groups with the short-listed medium-term priorities identified in the Economic Agenda continued. The participants emphasized the need to maintain the sustained joint efforts of the BSEC member states, related bodies and the Permanent International Secretariat to effectively implement the priorities of the Economic Agenda. 12.12.13 More

Way forward for EU-Armenia relations in new context has been outlined

Armenia and EU have desire to continue to have a close relationship and take it forward based on what have been achieved, EU Commissioner Štefan Füle said. Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Štefan Füle participated at the 14th Cooperation Council between Armenia and the European Union in Brussels on Monday.

“Compared to previous Cooperation Council there is definitely a difference in the content of our discussions - given the new international commitments of Armenia. But what remains the same, is our desire and resolve to continue to have a close relationship and take it forward, based on what we have achieved so far,” Füle said during the press conference following the meeting. 10.12.13 More

Armenia FM meets with Israel and Finland MFA representatives

The 20th Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council kicked off Thursday in Ukrainian capital city Kyiv.

Armenia is participating in the event by a delegation led by Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, informs the Armenian MFA press service. In the morning, Nalbandian attended the meeting of the FMs of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) member states. The FMs adopted a joint statement on the Helsinki+40 process. 06.12.13 More

Armenia and Azerbaijan FMs and Minsk Group co-chairs meet in Ukraine

The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, and the personal representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office met Wednesday in Ukrainian capital city Kyiv.

Following the private talk between Armenian and Azerbaijani FMs Edward Nalbandian and Elmar Mammadyarov, Minsk Group Co-Chairs Igor Popov (Russia), Jacques Faure (France) and James Warlick (USA), and Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, joined them, informs the Armenian MFA press service. 05.12.13 More

Putin slashes gas price to Armenia amid anti-Russian protests

Russian strongman Vladimir Putin on Monday slashed gas prices for Armenia during a visit to the Caucasus nation as police detained over 100 people protesting the Armenian government's decision to sign up to a Moscow-led customs union. Putin announced he would axe duties on natural resources heading to Armenia and pledged to sell arms to the ex-Soviet state at a reduced rate as Armenia readies to join the Kremlin's custom union.

"Russia will do everything it can to help Armenia complete all the procedures for joining the customs union," Putin said.

Putin said that "the price (for gas) will be set at 189 dollars (per 1000 cubic metres)," far below the price Russia offers to other buyers. 03.12.13 More

Russian president’s visit to Armenia kicks off

Russian President Vladimir Putin is arriving in Armenia for a state visit on December 2, at the invitation of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

The Armenian and Russian leaders will hold a private meeting and participate in a number of events in Yerevan and Gyumri, with special emphasis placed on the 3rd Armenian-Russian interregional conference ‘Russia, Armenia, Customs Union.’

The Russian president is scheduled to participate in the conference and visit Russian Military Base 102 in Gyumri. Nine round-table discussions on specific topics will end Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Armenia on December 3. 02.12.13 More

Russian president to pay state visit to Armenia on December 2

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to the Republic of Armenia on December 2 at the invitation of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. During the visit, Vladimir Putin will have a meeting with Serzh Sargsyan, the presidential press service said.

Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin will attend a number of events in the city of Gyumri and the capital of Yerevan, including an Armenian-Russian inter-regional forum. They will also visit the Russian 102nd military base in Gyumri. 27.11.13 More

OSCE encourages police reform at high-level conference in Yerevan

Police reforms, police accountability and transparency, education and trust are among the topics of discussion at an OSCE-supported international conference starting today in Yerevan.

The two-day event is jointly organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, and the Armenian Police, in partnership with the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces. The event provides a platform for participants to learn from the experience of other countries, to discuss their achievements and challenges faced during the reform process, as well as to exchange ideas for further improvements in the field of policing. 26.11.13 More

United States-Armenia Task Force scheduled for Friday

The United States Embassy inYerevan announces that the 2013 U.S.-Armenia Task Force (USATF) will take place Friday in Washington, DC.

The United States Government will be represented by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Eric Rubin, U.S. Agency for International Development Assistant Administrator Paige Alexander, and Coordinator for Assistance for Europe Daniel Rosenblum. The United States’ Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia, John A. Heffern, and USAID Armenia Mission Director Karen Hilliard will also attend. 22.11.13 More

Russia plans air defense boost with Armenia

Russia is planning to strengthen its integrated regional air defense network with Belarus and set up similar joint networks with Armenia and Kazakhstan, President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday.

“Such cooperation greatly enhances the defense potential of Russia and its partners, and contributes to strengthening peace and stability in Eurasia,” Putin said at a meeting with senior commanding officers in Moscow.

Moscow and Minsk signed an agreement on the joint protection of the Russia-Belarus Union State’s airspace and the creation of an integrated regional air defense network in February 2009. The network reportedly comprises five Air Force units, 10 air defense units, five technical service and support units, and one electronic warfare unit. It is part of the integrated air defense network of the Commonwealth of Independent States. 20.11.13 More

Armenian Defense Minister visits Greece

The delegation headed by Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan has left for Greece for a two-day working visit at the invitation of the Minister of National Defense of Greece Dimitris Avramopoulos.

Within the framework of the visit Seyran Ohanyan will have meetings with the Greek Minister of National Defense of Greece Dimitris Avramopoulos and Prime Minister Antonis Samaras.

The parties are expected to discuss the Armenian-Greek defense cooperation, and issues related to regional and international security. 19.11.13

Armenian Security Council chief meets with Swiss president

Armenia’s National Security Council (NSC) Secretary Arthur Baghdasaryan, who is in Switzerland on a working visit, on Friday met with Swiss President Ueli Maurer, who is also Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports.

Presidents of Armenia, NKR attend military drills in Artsakh

President Serzh Sargsyan, who is in Artsakh in the framework of the program of cooperation between the two Armenian Republics, accompanied by the President of NKR Bako Sahakyan, RA Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan, Commander of the NKR Army of Defense, Lieutenant General Movses Hakobyan and the officers of the Army visited a number of military regiments dislocated in the northern part of the NKR and the defense lines under the control of the military units, President’s Press Office reported. 13.11.13 More

Armenian President participated in the session of the Nuclear Energy Safety Council

Today, at the Government’s House of Receptions, President Serzh Sargsyan met with the Chairman of the RA Presidential Nuclear Energy Safety Council Adolf Birkhofer, who has arrived in Armenia to participate in the regular session of the Nuclear Energy Safety Council (NESC).

The President of Armenia and Chairman of NESC spoke about planned works aimed at the enhancement of the security level of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP) and the current state of the Plant. With this regard, the parties stated that the ANPP has the necessary projected level of aseismic stability. Serzh Sargsyan and Adolf Birkhofer spoke also about the issues related to the future operations of the ANPP and construction of a new energy unit, cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including the results of the OSART mission. 06.11.13 More

Armenia, Artsakh to be represented at World Travel Market 2013 in London

The National Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia, along with 10 Armenian travel agencies, will represent Armenia at World Travel Market annual exhibition, which will take place in London, UK from November 4-7.

Armenia and Artsakh will share a joint booth. This year, an estimated number of 5,000 travel agencies from around 184 countries and more than 47,000 global travel professionals are expected to take part in the exhibition. 04.11.13 More

Armenian MPs to meet with Iranian Majlis Speaker in Tehran

A 3-member delegation of the Armenian National Assembly will travel to Tehran on November 2, Iranian Parliament Speaker's top adviser for international affairs Hossein Sheikholeslam told Tasnim news agency in an interview.

During the visit, the Armenian delegation will meet with Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani, Chairman of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee as well as Chairman of the Iran-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group.

On August 5, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the Islamic Republic will seek to expand relations with Armenia. 31.10.13 More

Political analyst: Armenia’s accession to Customs Union questionable

Armenia’s accession to the Russia-led Customs Union is questionable in near future, in view of some serious procedure-related issues, the Caucasus Institute director said.

“I doubt about Armenia’s joining the CU any time soon, or at all, for that matter. I’m not even sure if the CU will exist in 5 years,” Alexander Iskandaryan told a news conference in Yerevan.

As the political analyst noted, the CU is a project which took a long time to develop, as well as “tons of documents,” which renders Armenia’s joining the Union impossible in near future. 30.10.13 More

New UAVs ‘Navodchik-2’ test start at Russian military base in Armenia

Military personnel at a Russian base in Armenia have begun tests of the new UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) complex 'Navodchik-2', ITAR-TASS said with reference to the press service of the Southern Military District.

"Test flights at the educational-training complexes Kamkhud and Alagaz are being conducted day and night in different climatic conditions including mountainous locations," the Southern Military District said.

Drones are used for aerial reconnaissance and jamming. They can carry out combat missions at any time due to their photo equipment, infrared and video modules that can be used to detect even a well-disguised enemy. The maximum speed of the aircraft is about 120 kilometres per hour, with the maximum altitude is up to 3000 metres. 10.02.14 More

Armenian companies to participate in US exhibition on laser technology and optics

Several Armenian companies likewise will take part in the Photonics West 2014 Exhibition on laser technology and optics. The event will be held from Tuesday to Thursday in San Francisco, USA.

The exhibition is one of the world’s largest and most influential biomedical optics and biophotonics fairs. 04.02.14 More

Armenia, Georgia sign military cooperation program for 2014

A Georgian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Defense Mikheil Darchiashvili was on a visit to Armenia on January 28-29.

As reported by the Armenian Defense Ministry’s official website, the Georgian delegation attended the celebrations of the 22nd anniversary of Armenia’s army. 30.01.14 More

OSCE Mission to monitor NKR-Azerbaijani contact line

In accordance with the agreement reached with the authorities of the Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic, the OSCE Mission will conduct Thursday, Jan 23, a planned monitoring of the line of contact between the armed forces of Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan in the Hadrut direction near Horadiz settlement.

From the positions of the NKR Defense Army, the monitoring will be conducted by Field Assistants of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Khristo Khristov (Bulgaria), Jiri Aberle (Czech Republic) and William Pryor (Great Britain). 22.01.14 More

Armenia, Japan hold political consultations

Armenian and Japanese foreign ministries on Thursday held regular political consultations in Tokyo.

From the Armenian side, the consultations were held by Armenian Deputy FM Sergey Manasaryan, and by Norio Maruyama, Ambassador, special representative for Caucasus at European Affairs Bureau, from the Japanese side.

Armenia MOD and OSCE Yerevan Office sign 2014 Cooperation Program

The results of the 2013 Cooperation Program, which was held between the Armenian Defense Ministry and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Office in Yerevan, were summed up on Friday.

Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan and Ambassador Andrey Sorokin, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, also attended the event.

In their remarks, both Ohanyan and Sorokin gave an excellent assessment to the activities that were carried out, informs the Armenian MOD press service. 20.12.13 More

Armenian FM meets US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense

On December 18 Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian received US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia/Ukraine/Eurasia, Dr. Evelyn Farkas.

Minister Nalbandian hailed the Armenian-American partnership in different areas, including defense and security, which has been dynamically developing over the past years.

Evelyn Farkas said, in turn, that the US attaches great importance to the development of cooperation with Armenia in the field of defense and her visit is called to contribute to its reinforcement. 18.12.13 More

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense to visit Armenia

The U.S. Embassy announces the arrival of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia/Ukraine/Eurasia, U.S. Department of Defense Dr. Evelyn Farkas, to Armenia for a series of bilateral defense consultations from December 18 to19.

During her visit, Dr. Farkas will meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan, and experts from the academic community. 17.12.13 More

U.S. Secretary of State promises to visit Armenia in 2014

As a sign of warm Armenian-American bilateral relations, US Secretary of State John Kerry will visit Armenia next year, Haykakan Zhamanak daily reports. “Kerry promised [President] Serzh Sargsyan and FM Edward Nalbandian to visit Armenia in 2014.

Armenia’s “open sky” policy attractive to foreign companies

The Armenian Government decided on October 23 to liberalize the air market. How will the “open sky” policy benefit the country? Is Armenia a suitable country for international air carriers?

The adoption of the “open sky” policy allows any air company to launch flights in any direction and with any frequency. Armenian experts in cooperation with the “McKinsey & Company” consulting firm have worked out the doctrine of stable and competitive air transportation.

Executive Director of the Armenian National Competitiveness Foundation Arman Khachatryan says the development of the doctrine envisages economic benefits such as GDP growth and new jobs. 11.12.13 More

Azerbaijani delegate to arrive in Armenia for BSEC ministerial

Azerbaijani delegate will participate in the meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) that will be held in Yerevan on December 12.

Head of the foreign minister on economic cooperation Shovgi Mekhtizade will represent the country in Yerevan, spokesperson for Azerbaijani foreign ministry Elman Abdullayev told APA. As reported earlier, Armenian foreign ministry has invited representatives of all member states, including Turkey and Azerbaijan. 09.12.13 More

Armenia among least-corrupted CIS states

Perceived levels of corruption in Armenia are among the lowest in CIS states, according to the 2013 Corruption Perception Index (CPI).

Published by the global organization Transparency International (TI), it ranks Armenia 94th out of 177 countries, while Moldavia is ranked 102nd. According to RIA Novosti, Russia ranked 127th, showing little change since last year.

Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index, which compiles surveys and other public assessments of graft to rank how corrupt a country is perceived to be, allowed users to compare year-on-year results for the first time this year. 03.12.13 More

Iraq’s Foreign Minister to visit Armenia

Within the framework of the visit, Hoshyar Zebari will have meetings with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, Speaker of the National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Territorial Administration Armen Gevorgyan. 02.12.13 More

Larry King accepts invitation to visit Karabakh

Famous American television and radio host Larry King has accepted the invitation of Nagorno-Karabakh President Bako Sahakyan to visit Nagorno-Karabakh, reports Armenpress, quoting Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

The news agency says King attended last night’s pan-Armenian telethon in Los Angeles which raised money for the construction of a highway linking Armenia and Karabakh. 29.11.13 More

U.S. firm to invest $180 million in Armenia’s Voroton hydro-electric plant

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) today welcomed the realignment of the U.S.-Armenia economic dialogue away from primarily ‘donor-recipient’-based discussions and toward a focus on practical steps to promote a robust bilateral trade and investment partnership.

At a State Department press conference, held this evening at the end of a day-long meeting in Washington, DC of the U.S.-Armenia Task Force, the U.S. and Armenian government’s welcomed the formal announcement of a $180 million investment by the U.S. firm Contour Global in Armenia’s Voroton hydro-electric plant, the implementation of a new visa relaxation regime for business travelers, the selection of Armenia as one of 20 countries in USAID’s Science Technology Innovation Program (STIP) in the areas of energy independence and water management, Armenia’s edibility for a second Millennium Challenge Corporation grant, and, more broadly, an overall shift – long advocated by the ANCA – away from primarily aid-based discussions toward a trade and investment focused bilateral economic dialogue. The Voroton investment represents the single largest U.S. investment in the history of the U.S.-Armenia bilateral relationship. 25.11.13 More

Armenia, Austria have great potential for cooperation

There is great potential for Armenia-Austria cooperation in a number of fields, Armenia’s and Austria’s presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Heinz Fischer said at their meeting Tuesday.

In particular, the countries have potential for cooperation in trade, industry, culture and education. Bilateral visits, business forums and establishing contacts between businessmen are of key importance to ensure the existing potential is fully used, Sargsyan and Fischer said.

The sides also stressed the importance of efforts by Armenian-Austrian intergovernmental commission. Sargsyan said Fischer’s last year visit to Armenia gave a good impetus to development of friendly ties between the countries. 20.11.13 More

Armenian President, U.S. Secretary of State have phone conversation

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan had a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on the evening of November 18, the presidential press service reported.

The conversation was requested by the American side.

The two discussed issues related to Armenian-American bilateral relations and cooperation as well as issues regarding the meeting of Armenian and Azeri Presidents on November 19 in Vienna, which will be held with the participation of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office. 19.11.13 More

Armenian Judicial Department’s former head arrested

Misak Martirosian, former head of Judicial Department of the Republic of Armenia state institution, has been arrested.

ccording to reliable information of PastInfo news agency, the court granted the instigator’s petition to place Martirosian under two months’ arrest as a measure of restraint against him.

He is charged with taking a bribe of a particularly large amount and is also investigated in connection with the case of wage misappropriation in the system.

As PastInfo reported earlier, in September 2013 the Judicial Department’s head Misak Martirosian was charged with accepting a bribe of a particularly large amount. The head of the Judicial Department’s personnel division Angin Isakhanian acted as a mediator. She was dismissed from her job in July 2013. Recognizance not to leave was chosen as a measure of restraint against Misak Martirosian in this connection. Let us remind you that on September 26 the investigator took a decision to suspend Martirosian’s powers. At the September 27 sitting, the Council of Court Chairmen of Armenia decided to relieve Misak Martirosian of his position. 18.11.13 More

Armenia transfers CoE Committee of Ministers Chairmanship to Austria

The Committee of Ministers chairmanship transferred today from Armenia to Austria during the 1184th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies. Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, presented the stocktaking of the Armenian Chairmanship. Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Michael Spindelegger, presented his country’s priorities for the coming six months.

On 16 May, the Republic of Armenia assumed its first Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe since Armenia’s accession to the Council of Europe in January 2001. It was an important task, opportunity, challenge and responsibility for the country. 14.11.13 More

Armenia ranked 4th in Global Militarization Index 2013

Global Militarization Index 2013 has been issued, showing that the Middle East continues to be the most highly militarized region in the world, BICC reported.

Experts of BICC (Bonn International Center for Conversion) point out that Asia, too, is demonstrating a particularly strong trend towards regional rearmament.

With Israel, Syria, Jordan and Kuwait, four countries in the Middle East are in the Top 10 of the GMI. This reflects the high level of militarization in this region, which is so rich in conflicts. Furthermore, all the other states in the region, with the exception of Qatar, are listed among the GMI’s Top 40. “This high level of militarization, together with general rearmament projects involving arms imports from all over the world, is contributing to a further destabilization of the area and can lead to the use of violent means to resolve internal as well as external conflicts, as in Syria”, Jan Grebe, researcher at BICC, comments the results of the GMI. 07.11.13 More

Armenia marks Day of Intelligence Troops

The first intelligence unit was created in Armenia on November 5, 1992. Later, November 5 was declared the Day of Intelligence Troops. Armenia’s intelligence troops marked their 20th anniversary in November 2012.

The tasks of intelligence troops include obtaining information about the adversary and revealing enemy groups, destruction or crippling the significant facilities of the enemy, etc. 05.11.13 More

In case Azerbaijani leadership decides to restore jurisdiction over Nagorno-Karabakh by force, the Russian #102 base in Armenia may enter confrontation in accordance with treaty obligations of Russia within CSTO, Russian commander said.

In an exclusive interview with Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper, commander of the military base, Colonel Andrey Ruzinsky confirmed presence of Smerch multiple rocket launcher in the territory of Armenia. 31.10.13 More

“ArmNet 2013” launched in Yerevan

“ArmNet 2013” series of IT events will be held in Yerevan, in parallel with the Pan-Armenian web-contest “ArmNet Awards 2013.” “ArmNet 2013” will be jointly organized by Maeutica Branding Agency, Orange Armenia and The Internet Society (ISOC).

“ArmNet 2013” is designed to evaluate the achievements of the Armenian Internet sector and contribute to its further development.

“ArmNet 2013” presents a series of three events aimed at the development of information technologies and especially mobile technologies in Armenia. 30.10.13 More

President Serzh Sargsyan received today a delegation headed by the Minister of National Defense of Greece Dimitris Avramopoulos, which has arrived in Armenia on official visit.

The parties stressed the importance of the friendly Armenian-Greek relations, which have strong historical and cultural roots, and hailed bilateral cooperation in the political, defense, military, educational and cultural areas.

The President of Armenia and Minister of National Defense of Greece highlighted the significance of the similar approaches of the two countries on different issues of the international agenda and cooperation of the two countries in the framework of international organizations. 29.10.13 More